Tabinda Chinoy

Tabinda Chinoy was born on June 7, 1949, into a diplomat’s family in Karachi, Pakistan. Her early life was enriched by travel and cultural exposure, which later deeply influenced her artistic perspective. After earning a B.Sc. from the College of Home Economics in Lahore, she pursued Fine Arts at the Central Institute of Arts and Crafts in Karachi. She further refined her sculptural skills at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art in London. Early mentorship, particularly under the influential artist Ali Imam, helped her develop her unique voice and expressive use of colour.

Artistic Style and Themes
Chinoy’s work is known for its vibrant expressionism and symbolic depth. Her paintings often portray semi-abstract cityscapes, featuring religious monuments such as mosques, churches, and temples, emphasizing a message of interfaith harmony. Recurring motifs like birds, chequerboards, flowers, and female figures explore concepts of memory, resilience, hope, and identity. Her art also delves into the emotional and psychological world of women, particularly within conservative societies, using vivid colour and bold forms to articulate inner strength and aspirations.

Exhibitions and Career Highlights
Tabinda Chinoy began exhibiting her work in the late 1990s, with early shows at Indus Gallery in Karachi. Since then, her paintings and sculptures have been featured in numerous national and international exhibitions. Notable shows include Let Hope Live at Canvas Gallery in 2011, the 4th ASNA Clay Triennial in 2013, and Through the Veil of Dreams at Gallery 6 in 2024. In addition to her painting practice, she has produced notable works in bronze sculpture, showcasing her versatility and command over multiple mediums.

Personal Life and Legacy
Tabinda Chinoy divides her time between Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, and New York. Alongside her artistic practice, she has contributed significantly to charitable causes and arts education. She has raised funds through art auctions for various hospitals and disaster relief organizations and served in leadership roles with several women’s rights and cultural organizations. Chinoy’s legacy lies in her powerful visual language that combines emotional resonance with cultural harmony, making her a prominent figure in contemporary Pakistani art. Her work continues to inspire through its celebration of hope, beauty, and the human spirit.